The 2026 NBA Draft landscape is taking shape, and Wisconsin Badgers fans have a new reason to pay attention. Following Sunday's draft lottery—which saw the Los Angeles Clippers snag the No. 5 pick from the Indiana Pacers—mock drafts are buzzing with predictions, and one familiar name is climbing the boards.

Guard Nick Boyd, a standout for the Badgers, is making waves at the NBA Draft Combine and has been projected as the No. 60 overall pick by the Washington Wizards in The Athletic's latest post-lottery mock draft. At that slot, Boyd would be the oldest player selected in the simulation, a testament to his experience and polish.

Boyd's draft stock has fluctuated, with many big boards placing him in the late second-round or undrafted territory. ESPN's post-lottery mock, for instance, left him off entirely, ranking him No. 93 overall. But the Combine is his chance to flip the script. Strong performances in shooting and defensive drills could vault him into the conversation, especially after fellow Badger John Tonje was picked in the second round by the Boston Celtics last year.

Meanwhile, former Wisconsin guard John Blackwell—who transferred to Duke this offseason—received an invite to the Combine but is expected to return for his senior season. That leaves Boyd as the primary Badgers prospect to watch in the upcoming draft, and every drill, every scrimmage, could be the difference between hearing his name called or going undrafted.

For now, Boyd is focused on proving he belongs. If he can deliver under the bright lights of the Combine, he might just follow in Tonje's footsteps and become the next Badger to make the leap to the NBA.